NI SHIFU — Restaurant in Antwerp

Ni Shifu used to be one of my favorites... Until I found a huge dead spider in my leftovers and vomited all night.

I did some digging that night -- in between vomit sessions -- and found out that this restaurant has been getting nothing but bad reviews (yes, multiple) from the federal food and health inspection. Neighboring Asian restaurants were fine, by the way, I checked those as well to exclude any potential bias from the health agency. But, as it turns out, the horrible hygiene reviews were exclusively reserved for Ni Shifu, and Ni Shifu only.

Since bad hygiene is obviously a recurring issue, I decided to file a complaint with the health inspection. After a few months I received a response. They had visited Ni Shifu again and concluded that the kitchen is indeed riddled with spiders.

I used to work in restaurant kitchens as a student. I fully realize that it's impossible to keep every single bug or arachnid out of the kitchen. But I also know that it should be virtually impossible to let these creatures get THIS close to the food.

As I said, I've always loved this restaurant. But not as much as I hate spiders in my food. I truly wish it was different, but I am never visiting this place...

(also posted on Yelp page)

omg this restaurant has some delicious Chinese food. They did earn a Michelin bib gourmand and are closed Thursdays. When I walked in for lunch, there was no wait and no reservation needed.

The one thing I did not enjoy was the cleanliness. I felt uncomfortable sitting next to the dying plants by the window, which attracted all sorts of bugs. I felt like the table had dirt from the plants and needed to be actually wiped down with soap and water. The floor needed to be scrubbed; the chairs had crumbs from previous patrons. Once the food arrived though, I forgot about this.

There is a guy solo running the front. He took orders, brought out all dishes, and received payment at the counter. He asked where we were from because we spoke a bit of Mandarin.

Cumin lamb was fried and very fragrant. Wontons in chili oil were big and juicy but could have been spicier. Sauteed cabbage was good - the only dish we got that wasn't spicy. Water boiled fish was numbing but could have used more flavor. It was just amazing to have white rice instead of potatoes for once in Belgium!!

Credit card accepted. No...

Worth every bite we had!!!! Ambience - around 34 seater small cozy place Not a plush interior which make it even more likeable because your assured than it's just about the food People : It was a chance search on internet which led us here.We did not have any bookings though and the manager was generous to accommodate us and had a smiling face throughout. Food: You will not know that a simple chicken fried rice can be so tasteful. The dumplings one if the best melt in mouth dumpling.The fried chicken schiuan was amthe biggest surprise it did things to your pallet which is surprisingly new and delightful served with right amount of steamed rice.The pork belly we ordered we loved it. Price: justifies the amount and taste of food. Tip: Be open in accepting different taste and flavours if you can handle that than do not skip this place whenever...